MITSUBISHI iMiEV 2012 1.G Owners Manual

BK0140800US.book 132 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4
Driving safety
Economical driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 2
Driving, alcohol and drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Floor mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 3
Vehicle preparation before driving. . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 5
Safe driving techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 6
Driving during cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 7
Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 8
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 8
Loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 9
Cargo loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 13
Trailer towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 14
Dinghy towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4- 14
BK0140800US.book 1 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-2 Driving safety
4Economical driving
N00628500029
For economical driving, there are some technical requirements
that have to be met. In order to achieve longer life of the vehi-
cle and the most economical operation, we recommend you to
have the vehicle checked at regular intervals according to the
“WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL”.Starting and accelerationAvoid driving with the accelerator pedal fully depressed, such
as for unnecessarily sudden starts, acceleration and decelera-
tion. Smoothly depress the accelerator pedal.
Observe the speed limit and keep the speed as constant as pos-
sible while driving.IdlingParking for a long period with the ready indicator illuminated
will shorten the cruising range.SpeedAt higher the vehicle speed the more main drive lithium-ion
battery is consumed. Avoid driving at full speed. Even a slight
release of the accelerator pedal will save a significant amount
of main drive lithium-ion battery charge.Tire inflation pressureCheck the tire inflation pressures at regular intervals Low tire
inflation pressure increases road resistance. In addition, low
tire pressures adversely affect tire wear and driving stability.Cargo loadsDo not drive with unnecessary articles in the luggage compart-
ment.
Air conditioningToo much cooling/heating can affect the cruising range, so
maintain an appropriate temperature to extend the cruising
range.
BK0140800US.book 2 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Driving safety
4-3
4 Driving, alcohol and drugs
N00628900010
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you have been
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab or a friend, or use public transportation.
Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not make you
sober.
Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs affect your
alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult with your doc-
tor or pharmacist before driving while under the influence of
any of these medications.
Floor mat
N00628600017
The original equipment floor mat provided with your vehicle
was specifically designed for your vehicle. Always properly
position the floor mat and assure it does not interfere with
operation of the pedals. Always use the retaining clip on the
driver’s floorboard to secure the floor mat. When used, this clip
will help prevent the floor mat from moving forward and possi-
bly interfering with the operation of the pedals. To prevent the
floor mat from moving forward and possibly interfering with
the operation of the pedals, Mitsubishi genuine floor mats are
recommended.To install the floor mat
N00628700063
1. Place the floor mat to fit the shape of the floorboard.
2. Align the floor mat with the installation holes over the
retaining clips.
WA R N I N G
!
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less accurate, your reflexes are
slower and your judgment is impaired.
BK0140800US.book 3 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-4 Driving safety
4
3. Secure the floor mat with retaining clips.NOTE
The shape of the mat and the number of retaining clips
may vary depending on the vehicle model.
WA R N I N G
!
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly
installed, it can interfere with the operation of the
pedals. Interference with the pedals can cause unin-
tended acceleration and/or increased stopping dis-
tances resulting in a crash and injury. Always make
sure the floor mat does not interfere with the accel-
erator or brake pedal.
Always use the retaining clip on the driver’s floor-
board to secure the floor mat.

Always install the mat with the correct side facing
down.
Never install a second mat over or under an existing
floor mat.
Do not use a floor mat designed for another model
vehicle even if it is a Mitsubishi genuine floor mat.
Before driving, be sure to check the following:
• Periodically check that the floor mat is properly
secured with the retaining clips.
If you remove the floor mat while cleaning the
inside of your vehicle or for any other reason,
always check the condition of the floor mat after it
has been reinstalled.
• While the vehicle is stopped with the electric motor
unit off, check that the floor mat is not interfering
with the pedals by depressing the pedals fully.WA R N I N G
!
BK0140800US.book 4 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Driving safety
4-5
4 Vehicle preparation before driving
N00629000698
For a safer and more enjoyable trip, always observe the follow-
ing: Seat belts and seats
Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and all
passengers are seated and wearing their seat belts properly
(with children in the rear seat, in appropriate restraints),
and that all the doors and the rear hatch are locked.

Move the driver’s seat as far backward as possible, while
still keeping good visibility, and good control of the steer-
ing wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Check the
instrument panel indicators for any possible problem.

Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

Make sure that infants and small children are properly
restrained in accordance with all laws and regulations.DefrostersCheck these by selecting the defroster mode, and set the blower
switch on high. You should be able to feel the air blowing
against the windshield.
(Refer to “Defrosting or defogging the windshield and door
windows” on page 5-15.)
BK0140800US.book 5 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-6 Driving safety
4
TiresCheck all the tires for heavy tread wear or uneven wear pat-
terns. Look for stones, nails, glass, or other objects stuck in the
tread. Look for any tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check the
wheel nuts for tightness, and the tires for proper pressures.
Replace your tires before they are heavily worn out.
As your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, there is a risk of damage to the tire inflation pressure
sensors when the tire is replaced on the rim. Tire replacement
should, therefore, be performed only by a certified i-MiEV
dealer.LightsHave someone watch while you turn all the exterior lights on
and off. Also check the turn signal indicators and high-beam
indicators on the instrument panel. Fluid leaksCheck the ground under the vehicle after parking overnight, for
water, oil, or other leaks. Make sure all the fluid levels are cor-
rect.
Safe driving techniques
N00629200124
Even this vehicle’s safety equipment, and your safest driving,
cannot guarantee that you can avoid an accident or injury.
However, if you give extra attention to the following areas, you
can better protect yourself and your passengers:

Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and weather
conditions. Leave plenty of stopping distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and use your
turn signal light.

While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers, bicy-
clists, and pedestrians.

Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a polite
and alert driver. Always leave room for unexpected
events, such as sudden braking.
BK0140800US.book 6 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Driving safety
4-7
4 Driving during cold weather
N00629400403

Check the 12V starter battery, including terminals and
cables. During extremely cold weather, the 12V starter
battery will not be as strong and its power level may drop.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the headlights
are as bright as normal. Charge or replace the 12V starter
battery if necessary. During extreme cold weather, it is
possible that a very low 12V starter battery could freeze.
Check the antifreeze.
If there is not enough coolant because of a leak, add high-
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Use Dia
Queen Super Long Life Coolant Premium or an equiva-
lent. The recommended blend is about 50 % water and 50
% anti-freeze. Use a higher concentration (not over 60 %)
when the outside temperature is -31 °F (-35 °C) or lower.
When the electric motor unit is working very hard (for
example, during mountain driving and/or when the out-
side temperature is high), use a 50 % concentration. This
blend will provide adequate protection from corrosion and
boiling.
WA R N I N G
!
The 12V starter battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas. Any spark or flame can cause the 12V starter
battery to explode, which could cause serious injury
or death.
Always wear protective clothes and a face mask
when working with your 12V starter battery, or let a
skilled mechanic do it.
WA R N I N G
!
Never open the coolant reservoir cap while it is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
BK0140800US.book 7 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

4-8 Driving safety
4Braking
N00629500518
All the parts of the brake system are critical to safety. Have the
vehicle serviced by a certified i-MiEV dealer at regular inter-
vals according to the “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”.When brakes are wetCheck the brake system while driving at a low speed immedi-
ately after starting, especially when the brakes are wet, to con-
firm they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent
normal braking after driving in heavy rain or through large
puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry the
brakes out by driving slowly while lightly depressing the brake
pedal.When driving in cold weatherOn snowy roads, ice can form on the braking system, making
the brakes less effective. While driving in such conditions, pay
close attention to preceding and following vehicles and to the
condition of the road surface. From time to time, lightly
depress the brake pedal and check how effective the brakes are.When driving downhillIt is important to take advantage of the regenerative braking by
shifting to “B” (BRAKE) position while driving on steep
downhill roads in order to prevent the brakes from overheating.
Parking
N00629600317
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a hill, set the parking brake, and turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill, or away from the
curb on an uphill.
If necessary, apply chocks to wheels.NOTE
On a slope, be sure to apply the parking brake before
moving the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position. If
you move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position
before applying the parking brake, it may be difficult to
disengage the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position
when next you drive the vehicle, requiring application of a
strong force to the selector lever to move from the “P”
(PARK) position.
BK0140800US.book 8 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分

Driving safety
4-9
4
Parking with the electric motor unit runningNever leave the electric motor unit running while you take a
short sleep/rest.Where you parkYour front bumper can be damaged if you scrape it over curbs
or parking stop blocks. Be careful when traveling up or down
steep slopes where your bumper can scrape the road.When leaving the vehicleAlways remove the key from the electric motor switch and
lock all doors and the liftgate when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lit area.Do not keep the steering wheel fully turned for a
long timeMore effort could be required to turn the steering wheel.
Refer to “Electric power steering system (EPS)” on page 3-44.
Loading information
N00629900411
It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and non-factory-
installed options. The tire and loading information placard
located on the driver’s door sill of your vehicle will show how
much weight it may properly carry.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms
before loading your vehicle:

Vehicle maximum load on the tire: load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by
two.

Vehicle normal load on the tire: load on an individual tire
that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant
weight and dividing by two.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight: the sum of -
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight;
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
WA R N I N G
!
Leaving the electric motor unit running when you
are not alert risks injury or death from accidentally
moving the selector lever.
WA R N I N G
!
Never overload your vehicle. Overloading can dam-
age your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle perfor-
mance, including handling and braking, cause tire
failure, and result in an accident.
BK0140800US.book 9 ページ ２０１１年９月２９日　木曜日　午後３時２８分